It’s 2024, and somehow, we’re still stuck having the same worn-out argument about whether women like Alex Scott are “worthy” of presenting football programmes. You’d think by now, these critics would have moved on to a new pastime—maybe funding Nigel Farage’s next grift or shouting at traffic—but no. They’re still clutching their remote controls, ranting on Facebook, and grumbling into their pints about how women “don’t know enough about football.”

Let’s be real: these aren’t well-thought-out critiques. It’s the same tired, regressive nonsense—she didn’t play the men’s game, she’s not physically strong enough (because apparently, commentating now requires Olympic-level bench-pressing), or some other rubbish cooked up between YouTube conspiracy videos and moaning about how mild weather is a “woke agenda.” Truthfully, these men aren’t football purists. Most of them couldn’t explain the offside rule in under a minute. They’re just scared of change.

Stuck in a Time Warp

It’s like they’re trapped in some bizarre time loop, stuck in an era of perms, shell suits, and footballers turning up to training still half-cut. Their egos are so fragile that the mere sound of a knowledgeable woman discussing the beautiful game feels like a personal attack. What’s next—complaining to British Airways because women are allowed to fly planes now?

The problem likely goes deeper. Many of these blokes probably grew up surrounded by poor role models when it came to equality. I’ve met plenty of people raised by mothers who were told to “know their place”—not exactly a blueprint for progress. My own mum had her flaws, but “knowing her place” wasn’t one of them. Not that I was perfect, more confused than anything, so better education about respect would be a start.

Believing women “have a place” led generations of men into workplaces where “building site banter” was the norm. Sneering at women, catcalling, or making lewd jokes was considered the height of masculinity. Embarrassing then, mortifying now—but for some, those habits stuck. I know people my age who are still like it now. I am 57 for Christ’s sake. Some of them have daughter’s and, perhaps worse still, sons they share the misogynistic jokes with. Frightening stuff.

Most Men Evolve—Why Not These Guys?

To be fair, most men do grow out of it. In our younger years, hormones are all over the place, and we’re often clumsy about navigating relationships, particular without guidance from elders. But over time, we sort ourselves out and realise that respecting women isn’t just decent—it’s common sense. Think about it. Why would anyone with an ounce of decency be so spiteful?

So why do this loud, obnoxious minority of dinosaurs refuse to evolve? How can we understand them? Can we? Should we even bother? Or is it time to leave them to stew in their man caves, perpetually angry that the world is trying to move on without them?

The truth is, women like Alex Scott don’t need to “prove” anything. They’ve already earned their place through knowledge, talent, and skill. Meanwhile, these critics are still shouting at their TVs, baffled that people aren’t taking them seriously. But we’re in an era where outrage sells, and those peddling populism are more than happy to give these dinosaurs a platform. Admire a woman’s professionalism? You’re branded a woke, lefty snowflake.

The Final Whistle

Instead of questioning women’s credentials, maybe these men should take a hard look at themselves. But let’s be honest—they won’t. Self-awareness isn’t exactly their strong suit, and there’s no shortage of media and politicians ready to exploit their anger with tales of a “woke culture” that doesn’t exist outside their own heads.

My fear is that Britain’s potholed roads are becoming a metaphor for our society—crumbling and stuck in the past. Do we really need to dig up old prejudices about race and gender, like it’s the days of Jim Davidson hosting The Generation Game or everyone gathering for a laugh at Bullseye? Can’t we just look back, chuckle at how ridiculous we were, and move forward as a progressive, inclusive nation?

The problem is, progressiveness doesn’t make headlines for billionaire populists who have everything to lose by letting society evolve. And so, we’re dragged backwards, yet again. Let’s hope the rest of us can keep moving forwards—even if the dinosaurs never will.